Reader Arto has also brought my attention to two events in Finland. Both look supercool and Finland looks like collector central to me! First up Talviheikki in Turku.
and the exhibition Of Toys and Men at the Helsinki Art Museum. Here's one the many bots on display.
We're familiar with the use of special effects to make models appear real in films. Skillful weathering techniques, altered frame rates, clever lighting: all these can create illusions of reality. But have you ever considered the opposite?
Take a look at this short film (The City of Samba) of a Carnival in Rio de Janeiro in 2011. Everything you see is real: there's no model work (unless you want to be pedantic and count the carnival floats). But the use of "tilt shift" makes reality appear to be a collection of models. Prepare to be astounded if you haven't seen this before ... perhaps especially by the helicopter which is seen roughly one and a half minutes in.
(I've put the film here, but it's better if you watch if proper-size at YouTube.)
Veteran Star Wars designer Ralph MacQuarrie has died aged 82. The US artist is known to countless Star Wars fans as the creator of many of the iconic characters like Darth Vader. The artist behind the most important universe other than our own, you can leave a tribute to him on his own website. God bless Ralph, you gave us all the force.
Reader Kevin D has brought a cool event to my attention, BritSciFi, taking place next weekend at the National Space Centre in Leicester, UK. Gerry Anderson will be there no less! Looks excellent!
There was a listinjg for a Project SWORD club badge this week so, as no doubt some of you fellow Swordies did too, I had to have a look. It turned out to be a standard issue badge that came with every toy. It did get me thinking though, what cook stuff might you have got in the membership starter pack if a SWORD/ SPACEX [SWORDEX!] club had existed?
I know there was a Golden Astronaut club over in the States back in the late 60's. Was anyone a member? What did you get? Wonder if there was an exclusive toy?
I've just ordered the Joe 90 Top Secret Annual 1969 and I'm really excited about getting it. I had it as a kid and remember it being full of great strips and gadgets. It's a while since I've looked forward as much as this to a book arriving! Last time I had it I was 9, over 42 years ago! Good old Posties! Anyone else remember this one?
Last night we went to the local Ukrainian Club's Game's Night. Now having been brought up on the likes of Frustration, Battle of the Little Big Horn and Go For Broke, you'd have thought that I'd like traditional board games like Ludo and Chinese Chequers. Alas, I don't and found myself constantly being reminded that it was my turn! I blame my genes. My parents never played games like these with us sprogs so Nine Men's Morris and Draughts passed me by. We played our altogether more hip Sixties board games like Twister and Formula 1 together as kids. I do feel I've missed out though as simple board games seem to offer good clean fun for a group of four or five people. If last night was anything to go by adults clearly enjoy the experience, including me, despite my lack of strategic skill!
So Swordies, what do you think, have board games had their day?
Hi there Woodsy, just finished another model (well actually it's a rebuild, since I made one when there was only one reference picture available). It is the Cybermat from the last season of Doctor Who. He is radio controlled and lights up. Friendly, ain't he? Kevin D.
